Archive - Wednesday, 22 September 2004


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Conference shows 'gross hypocrisy'

DELEGATES at a conference on developing brown field sites were met by protesters when they arrived at County Hall, Cwmbran, last week.

Torfaen council hosted the REVIT conference which was looking at ways of developing brownfield sites instead of building on green land.

But protesters, angry at the recent decision taken to build 1,200 houses on green land at South Sebastopol, accused the council of "gross hypocrisy" for hosting the event.

Member of the Anarchist Federation Terry Banfield handed out leaflets to delegates as they arrived with mock anti-social behaviour orders saying Torfaen council "planned destruction of the countryside of Torfaen".

Mr Banfield said: "We just wanted the delegates to know about the gross hypocrisy of Torfaen council."

Council leader Bob Wellington said: "The council's position is entirely consistent. The South Sebastopol site was properly considered through the local plan process and was fully supported by the planning inspector as the only appropriate large site to meet housing needs for the area.

"The council supports the principle of using brownfield sites, where appropriate, ie they meet an identified need, are in the right place, and proven to be environmentally acceptable."

Carole Jacob, a member of the Fight The Plan group opposing the South Sebastopol development, said: "It was okay for a first attempt. I would like to have seen more opportunity for members of the public to take part."

Referring to the group of around 10 protesters, she said: "It was a small but effective demonstration. They made contact with the delegates and got their point across."

A council spokesperson said: "The conference was a great success. The keynote speakers, including Carwyn Jones, AM, and leading environmentalist Professor Chris Baines, stimulated a great debate on regeneration and reclamation issues. The project is about sharing best practice between the partner countries and not about any specific developments in Torfaen."